From 944 to 996 - who has been there?

[Hallsy01]

I've had my 944T coming up for a year now, and owned a 944S for a year prior to that.

I have always loved the 944, and am happy I managed to find myself in one (or two) - however, with 944T prices firming up and 996 prices still sitting low - it has me pondering.

Would be interested to hear from owners who have had both, and how they felt the compared to own on a day to day basis - running costs, reliability, drive, etc.

I would be looking at a vanilla 996 c2, either 3.4 or rebuilt 3.6 - Turbo was my original thoughts but they are getting out of reach now, so not worth considering for my budget/position.

One worry is the lack of character compared to 944 (but then reguarly having niggles to attend to can get tiring!) and that ultimately the 944T has more potential than a standard 996 C2, but realistically my modifying days are behind me and am happy to keep my 944T at the standard power output (220) - so in a way, it makes little difference that the 944T has more potential power wise.

One thing that would be a definite plus is the sound - the flat 6 Will always sound infinitely better than the 944 4cyl - and that makes a difference as far as the drama of owning a sports/performance car for me.

It's all in my head at the mo, and have lots of little jobs to sort on the 944 before then anyway - but would be interested to hear the thoughts of others that have been here before

[acf69]

I used to have a 944 back in the early 90's and still think about it and have an urge to buy a 944T even though I don't have the space and my 996T spends a lot of its life in the garage. I'd say both cars have a lot of character, I know you are looking at going the non turbo route now and they are underrated cars imho. Buy a good one and I think you will be smitten.

[Hallsy01]

Thanks for that.

How do you find they compare once on the road? I find my 944 very planted on the road (M030 front end, Bilstein B6 rears - lowered a touch), just a little heavy around town & parking, but I do tend to prefer slightly heavier steering. I found our previous 330ci far too light, and our S2000 is probably as light as I'd like. Is the 996 light on steering feel with the weight at the back?

[acf69]

I have uprated suspension on my 996T (KW3's) so I can't say how a standard car feels, but I have never driven anything as well set up for going around bends. The offset is it is a bit on the firm side, but having driven other cars (M3, fast audi's) its not that bad. Steering is pretty spot on, not too heavy or light. It is a 4 wheel drive model, not sure if it is any different if you go for a rear wheel drive only one.

[rob.kellock]

I had a 1986 944 lux when I bought my 2002 996.2 Carrera 4 in 2005.

I sold the 944 for £3000 not long after and paid £38k for the 996!!

Guess I should have waited!

Cars were chalk and cheese but that won't surprise anyone...

[DKL]

You'll miss the practicality of the 944 if you want to carry things.

[aporschefan]

I'm in exactly the same position Hallsy01, except I'm looking to move into a c4 cab. Preferably a c4s cab but it unlikely the budget will stretch far enough to find a decent one.

I've spent a way too much money modifying my 944t but not had the time to enjoy it. It doesn't look like that will change any time soon. A slightly more modern NA 911 will be more useful as a second car.

I don't use the 944t everyday and have other cars so not worried in the least about losing the practicality of a 944. Will be following this thread with interest.

[36270k]

Slightly different but a year ago I went from a 924 to a 986 Boxster S Manual.
Have now done 3000 miles in her and loved every minute of it.

[aporschefan]

Hoping to see a couple of cars towards the end of this week. Until then, can some advise if there is any more/less space in the back seats between a cab and coupe? (Obviosuly still talking about the 996.)

[acf69]

If my memory serves me well the rear seats in a cabrio are raked slightly forward so less usable than the coupe. There isn't that much space to begin with so for me this pretty much makes it a two seater with space for your gym bag behind you!